Ziegenfuss Breaks EMU Javelin Record at Tennessee Relays

Thursday Results (PDF)

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (EMUEagles.com) – Senior Derek Ziegenfuss (Allentown, Pa.-Parkland) of the Eastern Michigan men's track and field team set a new school record in the Javelin Throw as the Eagles began competition at the Tennessee Relays hosted by the University of Tennessee Thursday, April 11.

The senior's sixth-place heave of 69.78m bests his previous school record by .89m while marking the second-best throw by a Mid-American Conference athlete this outdoor season.

"It is always special to break an EMU school record, even when it's your own," noted Head Coach John Goodridge of the accomplishment. "Congratulations to Derek and Assistant Coach Brian Korn."

The day also saw sophomore Skyler Lester (Marietta, Ga.-Marietta) compete in five of the Decathlon events, including the 100m, Long Jump, Shot Put, High Jump, and 400m. The Marietta, Ga. product sits in seventh place after Thursday's efforts with a total of 3657 points.

Lester began the day with a 15th-place effort in the 100m, finishing the distance in 11.32, and followed it up with a long jump effort clearing 6.70m, good for ninth place. The sophomore then moved onto the Shot Put where he earned sixth overall with a heave of 12.68m. His best finish of the day came in the High Jump competition, earning a bronze finish with a clearance of 2.01m. Lester concluded Thursday with a 13th-place finish in the 400m, registering a time of 53.47 seconds.

Also competing Thursday was freshman Garrett Wade (Rio Rancho, N.M.-V Sue Cleveland), sophomores Newlyn Stephenson (Gary, Ind.-Thea Bowman Leadership Academy) and Taige Bryant (Edmond, Okla.-Edmond Memorial), and senior Mike Hierholzer (Medina, Ohio-Medina). Wade competed alongside Ziegenfuss in the Javelin Throw, earning 15th overall with a throw of 56.14m. Stephenson, Bryant, and Hierholzer each competed in the Hammer Throw, with Stephenson placing 17th with a heave of 48.68m. Both Bryant and Hierholzer had no recorded marks.

The Eagles continue competition tomorrow in Knoxville with the women's hammer throw scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. Live results will be available here, while the event will be broadcast live on the Southeastern Conference Network+, beginning at 10:55 a.m. For specific updates on the Eagles throughout the day, visit the team's twitter page @EMUMXC_TF.

EMU Individual Results
(* denotes a personal-best, # denotes a program record)

Decathlon Standings After Five Events
7. Skyler Lester- 3657

Decathlon 100m
15. Skyler Lester- 11.32

Decathlon Long Jump
9. Skyler Lester- 6.70m

Decathlon Shot Put
6. Skyler Lester- 12.68 m

Decathlon High Jump
3. Skyler Lester- 2.01m

Decathlon 400m
13. Skyler Lester- 53.47

Javelin
6. Derek Ziegenfuss- 69.78*#
15. Garrett Wade- 56.14m

Hammer
17. Newlyn Stephenson- 48.68m
Taige Bryant- FOUL

Mike Hierholzer- FOUL

Next Event

Players Mentioned

Taige Bryant

Mike Hierholzer

Skyler Lester

Newlyn Stephenson

Garrett Wade

Derek Ziegenfuss

Eastern Michigan Athletics